How Does a Bypass Surgery Help the Heart?

For many people with heart disease, bypass surgery can be a transformative procedure. It may give them a new lease on life and help them stay healthy and active. Often, patients are intimidated by the idea of undergoing this surgery. However, it is crucial to remember that this procedure has offered renewed hope and vitality to countless patients across the globe. Every year, over 800,000 heart bypass surgeries happen worldwide, helping heart patients lead healthier lives. An experienced heart surgeon can safely conduct the bypass surgery to restore blood flow to the heart and minimize risks of further complications. Let’s discuss how this surgery works to understand its benefits for heart health.

Coronary Bypass Surgery: An Overview

Bypass surgery for the heart is known as coronary artery bypass graft (CABG). Your doctor may recommend a CABG if blood flow to your heart is restricted. When major arteries get blocked or narrowed, the person’s heart does not receive an adequate supply of blood. In such situations, a heart surgeon can perform CABG to bypass the blocked area and connect a healthy blood vessel to restore blood flow. They may take this blood vessel (graft) from a different part of the body and connect it to the coronary artery. This procedure allows the blood to bypass the artery blockage and flow through the graft.

Who Needs a CABG?

CABG is a vital procedure that can help patients with severe heart complications. While minor blockages may be treated with medications or minimally invasive procedures like angioplasty, major complications require bypass surgery. An experienced medical professional can determine if you or your loved one need this surgery. But typically, CABG may be beneficial for people who:

●   Have severe chest pain (angina) due to coronary heart disease that does not improve with medication.

●   Have issues with irregular heartbeats and a history of getting cardiac arrests.

●   Have experienced a heart attack and have not seen improvements with non-surgical procedures.

●   Have blockage issues in multiple arteries or severe plaque buildup in the left main artery.

●   Have risks of heart failure with a compromised ability to pump blood to the rest of the body.

A comprehensive physical examination can help doctors decide whether CABG is necessary for a patient. You can schedule a checkup and consultation to understand whether bypass surgery is the right choice for you. A person having coronary artery disease may experience symptoms like angina, shortness of breath, palpitations, and swelling around the hands and feet. They may also experience recurrent issues with fatigue and indigestion. If you or your loved one have these problems, consulting a physician and a heart surgeon can help you screen for heart disease.

How Does CABG Benefit the Heart?

CABG can help to normalize heart function by restoring blood flow. It may alleviate the risks of further complications when a person has pre-existing heart conditions. As a result, a patient may be able to live a more active life after the CABG procedure and subsequent recovery.

You can contact a trustworthy healthcare organization for more information about the CABG procedure. Consult the experts today to know more and plan your treatment options.